When pursuing fashion and beauty photography, the caliber of models you have access to has a serious impact on the quality of work being produced. Model agency represented models tend to bring more to the table than a random stranger on the street, but for many photographers the idea feels daunting and does require a bit more preparation. Testing with agency represented models is, however, an attainable goal, especially if you take the time to do the necessary research before making contact.
Testing with Model Agencies: At a Glance
This guide walks fashion and beauty photographers through the process of building relationships with modeling agencies to access represented talent for test shoots.
- Finding the Right Agency – How to research and identify agencies that fit your style
- Studying the Model Board – What to look for before reaching out
- Preparing Your Portfolio – Curating your book to appeal to bookers
- Making Contact – How to write your introductory email
- Executing the Test Shoot – Planning and running a successful session
- Nurturing the Relationship – Building long-term agency partnerships
Finding the Right Agency
Most states and major cities have at least one local modeling agency. Larger markets like Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami have a growing list of agencies ranging from smaller, hands-on boutique agencies up to mainstream powerhouses such as Elite, Wilhelmina, and Women Management NYC, which are home to household names and supermodels seen gracing magazine covers and major Instagram campaigns. A simple Google search will reveal the abundance of modeling agencies in your area, and it’s worth starting with smaller agencies and working your way up the ladder as your portfolio grows.
Studying the Model Board
Before reaching out, research the agencies you’re targeting thoroughly. Click through the faces on their main board, as these are the models who are in demand and generating the most paid work. Study the images selected for their online portfolios and you’ll likely begin to notice stylistic similarities throughout. Pay attention to the clients and magazines booking these models, because this reflects the type of work the agency is ultimately seeking from photographers they partner with.
View the main board in its entirety and it becomes clear that many of the images share a consistent aesthetic. Then click through to the new faces section and examine their comp cards as well as online portfolios. These are the models who need updated content, and they’re often the ones bookers are willing to send out for test shoots with select photographers. This is your entry point.
Preparing Your Portfolio
Evaluate your own book and website to determine which agency’s aesthetic aligns most closely with your style. Cull your website to showcase only the type of work you want to be doing, and make sure you’re presenting only your strongest images. Pay attention to the people appearing in those culled images as well. They should look the part of a fashion model, because bookers need to see proof that you can produce work they can actually use in a model’s portfolio.
This step is easy to overlook, but it matters more than most photographers realize. A booker reviewing your website is asking one question: “Can this photographer make our models look the way we need them to look?” Your portfolio has to answer that question with confidence before you ever send an email.
Making Contact
Once your portfolio is dialed in, reach out to the agency. A short introductory email is all that’s needed. Introduce yourself, mention that you admire the agency’s work, and express interest in testing with their new faces. Include a few sample images that clearly showcase your abilities and a link to your website with your contact information. Keep it brief and professional. Bookers receive a lot of inquiries, and a concise, confident email reads much better than a lengthy pitch.
Have a mood board ready in case the booker asks, since some are more involved in shaping the direction of their models’ test content than others. Expect some rejections early on, and don’t be discouraged. It’s completely normal. If feedback is provided, take it seriously, apply it, and keep reaching out. Every “no” brings you closer to the first “yes.”
Executing the Test Shoot
When you receive your first “yes,” it will come with a selection of models in development. Ask the booker if there is something specific they need from the shoot, because most agencies request test content that looks as though it could be part of a published fashion story. They typically want images that feel timeless and effortless, since these have the most longevity in a model’s book. Take the time to curate a team and select the model who will be most effective for the concept you have in mind.
Go the extra mile to execute a successful shoot. Have a clear vision from start to finish and communicate it with everyone involved. Mood boards are excellent for keeping the entire team aligned on lighting, wardrobe direction, and overall tone. A well-organized shoot reflects well on you as a collaborator, which matters just as much as the final images.
When taking a chance on a new photographer, bookers will often call their models afterward to check in on the experience and get their impression of the day. Keep the atmosphere upbeat and treat everyone with respect. A model who has a great experience on set will say so, and that feedback carries real weight with the booker.
Nurturing the Relationship
A positive first test will typically result in being offered a second model, then a third, and so on. Nurture that relationship because it is a genuinely important one. As you build the booker’s trust and elevate your work, you can often negotiate arrangements that benefit your own creative goals. For example, agreeing to photograph two new faces in exchange for access to a stronger model for a personal project is a reasonable barter once the relationship is established. Remember that a test shoot doesn’t have to serve only what the agency needs. With proper planning, you can accomplish the agency’s request and your own creative vision in a single session.
While testing, you’ll likely develop a solid working relationship with both the booker and the models. While it’s perfectly fine to communicate directly with the model on creative matters, make a habit of handling scheduling through the booker whenever possible. This keeps the professional relationship intact and does a lot for your reputation over time.
Keep in mind that many bookers move between agencies throughout their careers. A negative reputation can bring your days as a test photographer to a halt very quickly, while a strong reputation can open doors you haven’t even considered yet. When a booker trusts a photographer, they recommend them to colleagues at their next agency. Word of mouth is everything in this industry, so give them something genuinely good to say about you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testing with Model Agencies
Do I need professional experience before approaching a modeling agency?
You don’t need years of professional experience, but you do need a portfolio that demonstrates you can produce quality fashion imagery. Focus on curating your strongest work that aligns with the agency’s aesthetic before reaching out. Starting with smaller boutique agencies is a smart move if your portfolio is still developing.
What should I include in my introductory email to a modeling agency?
Keep it concise. Introduce yourself, mention your interest in testing with their new faces, include two or three strong sample images, and link to your website. Bookers don’t have time for lengthy emails, so a professional and direct message will make a better impression than an elaborate pitch.
What type of images do modeling agencies want from test shoots?
Most agencies are looking for clean, timeless images that could plausibly appear in a fashion editorial. They tend to avoid overly trendy looks that will date quickly, since portfolio images need to remain useful for the model over a longer period. Think simple, elegant styling with strong light and clear focus on the model’s features.
How long does it typically take to get approved as a test photographer?
There’s no fixed timeline, and rejection early on is very common. Some photographers hear back within a week or two, while others spend several months refining their portfolio and following up before landing their first test. Persistence and responsiveness to feedback are the most important factors in shortening that timeline.
Can I use test shoot images in my own portfolio?
In most cases, yes. Test shoots are generally a mutual exchange where both the model and the photographer benefit from the new content. That said, it’s always worth clarifying usage rights with the booker before the shoot so expectations are clear on both sides. Some agencies have specific guidelines about how and where the images can be used.
